After YouTubers created recent sensations at the box office with films like ‘Obsession’, YouTube’s roster of 25 creators from across the world are delivering on-the-ground coverage of the ongoing FIFA World Cup 2026, with the platform saying their combined audience of more than 350 million subscribers will bring fans closer to the tournament through content spanning match-day action, local culture, food and BTS moments.

Announcing the initiative, Angela Courtin, Vice President of Sports & Entertainment Marketing at YouTube, said the company would also stage the first-ever YouTube FIFA Creator Cup in New York City on July 12, featuring global creators, elite athletes and celebrities in an exhibition match streamed exclusively on YouTube.

The creator lineup, according to a YouTube blog late last week, includes Anwar Jibawi (United States), who will produce cinematic comedy skits; Ara y Fer (Mexico), who will chronicle the World Cup in home country; Ashley Alexander (United States), focusing on lifestyle, travel and host-city experiences; Celine Dept (Belgium), who said the tournament was “a dream for every football fan”; Courtreezy (United States); Deestroying (United States), who described football as “first love”; Haley Kalil (United States); Horchata Soto (United States), showcasing the tournament’s energy through fast-paced content; Howieazy (United States); Jeenie Weenie (Canada); Jenny Hoyos (United States); and sports entertainment creator Jesser (United States).

Also selected are Kelly Wakasa (United States), who is documenting spontaneous adventures and authentic storytelling; Kika Kim (Kazakhstan), covering matches, travel and fan emotions; KYLECTRIX (Indonesia); Kwakyoongy (South Korea), an Olympic short-track speed skating medallist, bringing an athlete’s perspective; Max the Meat Guy (United States), exploring food across host cities and Neagle (Brazil), following Brazil’s campaign.

 Noor Stars (UAE) is offering behind-the-scenes access; The Sidemen (United Kingdom) is creating football-focused content in collaboration with YouTube; Sonrixs (Mexico); TokaiOnAirRYO (Japan) are sharing the tournament atmosphere; Viniblogger (Brazil) and Zhong (United States) are bringing viral public challenges and comedy to stadium concourses.

Several creators highlighted the significance of the opportunity. Celine Dept said, “Going to the FIFA World Cup is a dream for every football fan,” while Deestroying called taking subscribers inside the tournament “a full-circle moment”.

The Sidemen said football had “always been at the core of what we do” and expressed excitement about creating World Cup content with YouTube, while Noor Stars said she looks forward to taking viewers “behind the scenes and share every unforgettable moment with them.”

YouTube said the creator programme complements its partnership with FIFA, under which official media partners can livestream the opening 10 minutes of every World Cup match on YouTube and stream a select number of full matches. Together with creator-led coverage, the company said the initiative would help the tournament reach a broader and more diverse audience while giving fans new ways to experience football’s biggest event.